Sunday, April 26, 2009

Surely we cant be in the real world? It's too funny, but what exactly am I reading?

According to the author, Nation is set in -- "a world that's remarkably similar to earth." But not Earth. At least not Earth as we know it. Must be some parallel universe where there are pirates and pistols and parrots. A universe where the world is funny and fresh and dangerous. A universe where the sweetness isn't Hollywood and the lessons-- or more accurately -- the really cool stuff, isn't preached, but folds its way into the story like chocolate chips into cookies.

It's just a shame that it takes so long for the plot to really get kicking. Apart from a tsunami and the culture clash of Mau and Ermintrude (Daphne), all the real action seems to kick off about half way through, when the "Nation" our characters have built must stand or fall, not only on their actions, but on their wits.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

City of Glass is the third instalment from the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series. The two prequels City of Bones and City of Ashes build up to a dramatic finish in the third book.Clary, the stubborn redhead is determined to make her way to Alicante, the City of Glass, believing the answers to all her problems lie there. But when Jace sneaks behind her back in an attempt to protect her, Simon, the new vampire, is dragged unwillingly into the melee. Using her new found powers Clary makes her way to the far outskirts of the City of Glass, but at a price.Clary, Jace and Simon struggle with their feelings for another and with themselves, is everything really as it seems?As more of the Shadowhunter history is uncovered, the closer they become to destroying Valentine, but will they really do it?A full-on fast paced book from modern fantasy writer Cassandra Clare, City of Glass leaves you breathless, twisting and turning through the streets of Alicante. Dangerous new characters, thrilling new powers, and a scandalous history; City of Glass is an exceptional addition to the Mortal Instruments series.

Thursday, April 02, 2009

This book grabbed me with the very first sentence -- "There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife..." and after that it just didn't let go.

The macabre setting made the perfect backdrop for Neil Gaiman's subtle humour and agreeably offbeat characterisation. And unlike many popular authors this is not a by the numbers book, there is real heart to the story -- unsurprising in a work that has twenty-two years to fully realize. Moreover this is only one of many glowing reviews. Still I would warn you not to read them, for fear of spoiling any of the twists and turns along the way. So I in turn will choose my words very carefully, and say only that -- A killer comes in the night for a young boy, and the events of that one night shape the life of all the souls in the graveyard for some time to come.